KR20150113954A - Method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system is disclosed. A method performed by a virtual visitor subsystem VSS included in a mobile communication system includes the steps of: detecting a roaming event on an MSISDN of a mobile station MS operating in a mobile communication system; in a mobile communication system, Determining a mobile network operator having an HPLMN covering an area of the MS and being a visitor mobile network operator of the MS, receiving a visitor IMSI from a visitor mobile network operator, assigning a visitor IMSI to the MS's MSDN of the MS, , Intercepting authentication initiation towards the visitor mobile network operator, authenticating the MS to the MS's home mobile network operator, and, based on the authentication response received from the home mobile network operator, by the visitor IMSI Activate identified visitor subscriptions Includes steps.

Description

≪ Desc / Clms Page number 1 > METHOD FOR SERVING VISITOR SUBSCRIBERS IN A MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM < RTI ID =

The present invention relates generally to communication systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for providing a visitor subscriber in a mobile communication system. The invention also relates to a visitor serving subsystem employing this method, and to a mobile communication system including such a visitor serving subsystem.

Subscribers visiting foreign countries are granted access to mobile networks in countries visited through roaming arrangements. Roaming agreements include two mobile network operators; A mutual agreement between the Home Mobile Network Operator (HMNO) and the Visited Mobile Network Operator (VMNO). Mobile operators must sign a number of roaming agreements to provide global coverage for their subscribers. As an alternative to signing roaming agreements with operators in all countries around the world, mobile operators can roam through roaming hubs.

The roaming business is controlled by GSMA's telecommunications operators. New network operators that rely on the infrastructure provided by MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) and MNOs are unable or unable to obtain their profit share from roaming.

The background technology focuses mainly on the visitor's situation from the subscriber's perspective. There are numerous methods and techniques and numerous subscriptions for roaming subscribers. Commercially available products in this category are referred to as roaming SIM cards, or multi-IMSI SIM cards.

Advantages over the prior art are provided by the method for serving visitor subscribers, the visitor serving subsystem and the mobile communication subsystem, as set forth in the appended independent claims.

Advantageous and alternative embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

Additional features, principles, and advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the following detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating network elements for MVNOs and MNOs including a visitor serving subsystem.
2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating roaming control aspects of MVNOs. Figure 2a does not include a visitor serving subsystem, whereas Figure 2b includes a visitor serving subsystem.
3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of a method for serving visitors by MNOs using a visitor serving subsystem.
4 is a schematic process flow diagram illustrating various steps performed by the virtual visitor subsystem, VSS.
5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a visitor serving subsystem architecture.
Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of a method for serving visitor subscribers, particularly for serving a mapping of visitor subscribers.
7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional aspects of a method for serving visitor subscribers, particularly for handling roaming events from an external network.
8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional aspects of a method for serving visitor subscribers, particularly for the authentication process.
9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional aspects of a method for serving visitor subscribers, particularly for handling roaming events from a home network.
10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional aspects of a method for serving visitor subscribers, and in particular, handling roaming events from a WLAN.
Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects of MAP handling.
12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional aspects of MAP handling, particularly routing of MAP messages.
Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects associated with a mobile origination call from a fictitious operator visitor subscriber.
Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects associated with mobile termination call handling for a virtual operator visitor subscriber.
15 is a schematic block diagram illustrating aspects related to handling data services, e.g., GPRS data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described by way of illustrative embodiments of the following detailed description.

The present invention provides a method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system.

Such a mobile communication system may be considered as a structural environment in which a method for serving visitor subscribers may operate. Structurally, the mobile communication system may comprise a plurality of mobile stations (MS). At least some of the mobile stations or mobile stations operating in the system include SIMs containing application programs to be executed by the processing devices of the SIM.

The mobile communication system further includes a plurality of mobile network operators that may include MVNOs and MNOs. Each mobile network operator, or at least some of the mobile network operators, included in the system consists of a pool of visitor subscriptions. Each visitor subscription is identified as a visitor IMSI.

The mobile communication system further includes a plurality of home public land mobile networks (HPLMNs). Each of the HPLMNs, or at least some of the HPLMNs, may be associated with a corresponding mobile network operator. In addition, each HPLMN may be configured to determine the geographic area of the MS operating in the HPLMN.

The mobile communication system may further include a plurality of visitor public land mobile networks (VPLMNs) associated with a roaming hub.

In addition, the mobile communication system further comprises a visitor serving subsystem (VSS) configured to operate in accordance with the principles of a method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system.

Typically, the VSS includes a processing device configured to execute computer processing instructions that cause the VSS to perform the disclosed method for serving visitor subscribers.

Thus, the disclosed method for serving visitor subscribers will be performed by a visitor serving subsystem (VSS). The method is illustrated in Figure 4 and comprises the following steps:

- detecting (step 401) a roaming event for the MSISDN of the MS (mobile station) operating in the mobile communication system,

Determining (402) a visitor mobile network operator as a mobile network operator having an HPLMN covering the geographical area of the MS,

- receiving a visitor IMSI from a visitor mobile network operator (step 403);

- assigning the visitor IMSI to the MSISDN of the MS (step 404)

- sending the visitor IMSI to the MS (step 405),

- receiving an authentication request (step 406),

Intercepting the initiation of authentication towards the visitor mobile network operator (step 407);

Authenticating the MS towards the home mobile network operator of the MS (step 408); and

Activating the visitor subscription identified by the visitor IMSI based on the authentication response received from the home mobile network operator (step 409).

The roaming event for the MS's MSISDN may be identified in an exemplary aspect by the VSS 101 receiving the MAP update location message from the roaming hub of the mobile communication system when the MS is connected to a visitor public land mobile network (VPLMN) .

Alternatively, a roaming event for the MS's MSISDN may be identified by the VSS 101 receiving the MAP update location message from the roaming hub, for example, when the MS is connected to the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) .

Alternatively, the roaming event on the MS's MSISDN may be routed to the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) by, for example, the VSS 101 receiving the MAP CANCEL LOCATION message from the MS's home mobile operator Lt; / RTI >

The method may identify the roaming event by any one or any combination of the preceding periods or conditions.

The step 402 of determining a visitor mobile operator as a mobile network operator with the HPLMN covering the geographical area of the MS may, in an exemplary aspect, utilize the VLR number in the roaming event.

The step 404 of assigning a visitor IMSI to the MSISDN comprises, in an exemplary aspect, free (e.g., stored) or retrieved from a visitor subscription pool that is retrieved from a visitor mobile network operator free < / RTI > visitor IMSI.

The step 405 of sending the visitor IMSI to the MS may, in an exemplary aspect, involve the direct transmission of the service SMS to the MS, without involving the home operator SMSC. The transmitting step 405 may further comprise updating the SIM included in the MS using the visitor IMSI. This can be done by using the SIM OTA and the visitor applet of the MS, i. E. By using an application program executed by the processing device of the SIM.

Intercepting authentication towards the home mobile network operator 407 includes, in an exemplary aspect, intercepting and routing the authentication request 406 to the home network operator and the visitor network operator by the VSS 101, Intercepting an authentication response received from the home network operator and the visitor network operator by the VSS 101 and sending an authentication response from the home network operator towards the VLR requesting authentication.

Activating the visitor subscription identified by the visitor IMSI 409, in an exemplary aspect, may include activating a visitor subscription based on an authentication response received from the home mobile network operator.

In an advantageous aspect, the method for serving visitor subscribers further comprises performing a mapping between the visitor IMSI and the home IMSI of the MS. The method may advantageously further comprise performing an additional mapping between the visitor MSISDN and the MSISDN of the MS.

A method for serving visitor subscribers, in particular, the method includes mapping between a visitor IMSI and a home IMSI and further mapping between a visitor MSISDN and an MSISDN of the MS.

The method for serving visitor subscribers may further include a number of optional additional steps.

One such optional additional step includes transmitting a mobile originating SMS, which is sent from the MS and received by the SMSC of the home mobile network operator.

An alternative optional additional step includes transmitting the mobile terminated SMS, which is sent from the SMSC of the home mobile network operator and received by the MS.

Another alternative optional additional step includes sending a mobile originating MMS, which is sent by the visitor mobile network operator's MMSC and is received by the home mobile network operator MMSC.

The additional step may further comprise, for call handling, adding routing prefixes to the B-number for transmission of mobile outgoing calls generated by a visitor assigned a visitor subscription to the home mobile network operator GMSC . In this aspect, the VSS performing the method is utilized as an IN node.

Another possible additional step may include adding routing prefixes to the roaming number for routing of mobile termination calls to the visitor mobile network operator utilizing the MSISDN of the visitor subscription as a roaming number.

The method may further comprise, at another optional step, transmission of voice accounting data (MOC CDR) received from a visitor mobile network operator.

The method may further include transmission of SMS billing data (SMS-MO CDR / S-SMO-CDR) received from the visitor mobile network operator.

Optionally, the method may further comprise transmitting the MMS charging data (MO MMS CDR) received from the visitor mobile network operator.

The method may further include transmission of GPRS charging data (M-, S- and G-CDR) sent from the visitor mobile network operator.

The present invention also relates to a visitor serving subsystem (VSS) 101 for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system. The VSS 101 includes a processing device configured to perform the method disclosed herein.

The present invention also relates to a mobile communication system, wherein the mobile communication system comprises a plurality of mobile stations, each of which comprises a SIM, the SIM comprising an application to be executed by a processing device in the SIM; A plurality of mobile network operators, including MVNOs and MNOs, each of which is comprised of a pool of visitor subscriptions, wherein each visitor subscription is identified by a visitor IMSI; A plurality of HPLMNs (home public land mobile networks), each of which is associated with a corresponding mobile network operator, and wherein each HPLMN is configured to determine a geographical area of the MS operating in the HPLMN; And a VSS (Visiting Public Land Mobile Networks) and a VSS (Visiting Serving Subsystem) 101 disclosed herein, i.e., a processing device configured to perform the methods described herein.

As a result of the present invention, a home operator subscriber visiting a foreign country may be assigned a visitor subscription from a foreign local mobile network operator.

The subscriber can be authenticated by the home operator and can use visitor subscriptions from the local operator to access the local PLMN. From the home operator's perspective, the subscriber roams. From the local operator's perspective, the visitor is treated as a local subscriber.

architecture

The present invention provides a method for enabling Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to provide visitor functionality. Visitors are referred to in this context as Virtual Operator Visitors, and the system implementing this method is referred to as Visitor Serving Subsystem (VSS). To illustrate that this method represents a new invention, this specification will first describe the prior art and current situations.

FIG. 1 shows core network elements for MNOs 102 and MVNOs 103. FIG. The core network consists of two different layers labeled "H" and "V" in the figure. The H-layer is associated with operators' subscribers and gateways to public networks. The drawing shows the different interfaces between these layers. The V-layer is connected to the radio network 104 and has a serving function towards the H-layer. The V-layer may be attached to subscribers belonging to different operators, and these subscribers are authenticated by the H-layer. MNOs have layers of quantum types, but MVNOs have only H-layers. Subscribers belonging to the MVNO will be attached to the V-layer of the MNO and authenticated by the H-layer of the MVNO. The VSS will serve as the V-layer for the MVNO. MVNOs will be able to host visitors. In both the MNO 102 and the MVNO 103, the SDB represents a subscriber database.

MVNOs must purchase their roaming service through the local MNO. Roaming is controlled by MNOs. An example is shown in Figure 2, part a.

2a shows that an MVNO subscriber (in this case a subscriber from MVNO (A)) roams to another foreign MNO (in this case MNO (B)). The current GSMA scheme allows only MNO (A) and MNO (B) to be involved in such roaming. MVNO (B), an overseas MVNO, has no possibility to view MVNO (A) subscribers as a visitor. Therefore, MVNO (B) is not involved.

Figure 2, part b, shows how this can be changed by introducing VSS. The VSS will establish a separate roaming service for the exchange of direct visiting subscribers between MVNOs.

In both FIGS. 2A and 2B, reference numeral 201 denotes a visitor belonging to MVNO (A). Figure 3 illustrates how the VSS 101 can be used for MNO. In this case, the MNO serves the visitor, but unlike normal roaming, the MNO will activate the local visitor subscription. The VSS 101 maintains the relationship between the visitor and the home subscription. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 304 denotes a home operator, and reference numeral 302 denotes a mobile network operator (MNO).

4 has already been described above.

Figure 5 presents a component view of the VSS architecture. The components are as follows.

The visitor applet 507 is a software module on the SIM card 506.

The SIM card 506 is a component within the MS 504.

• Visitor SIP client 505 is a software component within MS 504.

Multiple MNOs / PLMNs are connected to multiple MVNOs and roaming hub 502.

• Visitor gateways (VGWs) are software and hardware components connected to the MVNO's core network.

VRC 501 is a software and hardware component connected to both VGws, SIP BC (Boarder Controller) and SIM OTA.

VOV MVNOs will form a network through VRCs. The VRC will be used for location management, routing of calls and messages, thus bypassing the global SS7 network used by MNOs for roaming.

Each VOV MVNO will act as an H-MVNO for its own subscribers at the time of travel. Each VOV MNVO will act as a V-MVNO for subscribers from other MVNOs visiting its coverage area.

The Visitor Routing Center (VRC) 501 will ensure global coverage through the integration of roaming hubs for areas not covered by VOV MVNOs. VOV will use a common mobile operator identity for roaming through the roaming hub. Through his MVNO agreement with the local MNO, MNVOs that are only allowed domestic access can obtain global coverage through the VSS network. MNOs struggling to reach competitive roaming prices can use the VSS network in a similar way to MVNOs.

Mobile operators without their own roaming agreements can use roaming partners to cover all areas not covered by operators using VSS services.

Smart-phones with a WLAN interface can access the Internet 503 via WLAN hotspots in homes, offices, hotels, public areas, and the like. A large number of WLAN profiles can be stored in the smart-phone and the smart-phone can automatically detect that the terminal is within the coverage of a known WLAN and then begin to direct data flows towards the WLAN. A visitor SIP client installed on a smartphone will use Internet access. The SIP client will direct calls over the WLAN.

Virtual operator visitor

A visitor subscriber is a mobile subscriber using PLMN from another MNO rather than his H-MNO. We call this operator V-MNO. The visitor will be inserted into the VLR of the V-MNO based on the authentication for the HLR of the H-MVNO. Before accepting a visitor, there must be a commercial agreement between H-MNO and V-MNO. There are mainly three types of agreements: roaming agreements between mobile network operators from different countries, domestic roaming agreements between operators in the same country, and virtual operator agreements that provide subscribers with MVNO domestic mobile coverage through the MNO's PLMN.

The mobile virtual operator visitor solution goes one step further by introducing VOV (Virtual Operator Visitors) to the mobile operator concept. The VOV will be provided with a temporary local subscriber identity from the V-MVNO. The VOV will keep its original mobile phone number from his home operator and will continue to receive mobile subscription services from his home operator.

Figure 6 further illustrates a method for managing VOVs. Here, the MS 504 still has a local subscription with the MVNO (A), and the roaming is initiated by the V-IMSI, the V-MSISDN, the IN service activation via the VGW as an IN node, and the V - Utilizes the visitor subscription from the MVNO (B) with the subscriber profile containing the APN address of the MVNO.

A VOV moving to a foreign country will be registered as a local MVNO subscriber to the visited MNO. A VOV subscriber with a visitor applet 507 on his SIM-cards 506 will automatically receive VOV services from the local MVNO. The MS will use the temporarily assigned subscriber identity and thus act as a local subscriber. The VOV subscriber generates local traffic and revenue for the MVNO (B). Under the legacy roaming scheme, this traffic was considered roaming traffic revenue for MNO / HPLMN (B). The traffic generated by the visiting subscriber appears to be generated by the customer of the MVNO (B).

The VRC 501 included in the VSS 101 will manage the visitor subscription mapping 601 between the home operator subscriber identity and the visitor subscription and dynamic allocation of visitor subscriptions. The VOV will receive all his mobile phone subscription services from his home operator and is available for incoming calls on his own mobile phone number. The temporary V-MSISDN assigned by the V-MVNO will be replaced with the actual mobile telephone number before the calls and messages are routed to the called telephone number. Emergency calls will use V-MSISDN to ensure that emergency calls are directed to local emergency services.

VRC will ensure global coverage through the integration of roaming hubs for areas not covered by VOV MVNOs. VOV will use a common mobile operator identity for roaming through the roaming hub. MNVOs that are allowed only domestic access through their MNVO agreement with a local MNO can obtain global coverage through the VOV network. MNOs struggling to reach competitive roaming prices can use VOV networks in a similar way to MVNOs.

A method for handling roaming events for VOV is illustrated in FIG. MVNOs will receive location management information from mobile network operators when the subscriber moves to a new area. Subscribers visiting foreign countries will use the roaming hub 502 for world-wide roaming coverage. The roaming hub IMSI (R-IMSI) will be used for network entry in foreign countries to obtain network access. The VRC will detect the roaming event on the VOV-IMSI (step 701). Authentication for its H-MNVO is performed based on the H-IMSI (step 702) and the response is forwarded to the roaming hub 502 (step 703).

The VRC will request a visitor subscription from the MVNOs and will receive a free visitor subscription from the MVNO covering that area (step 704). The VOV will be assigned an IMSI from the V-MVNO. For each participating MVNO, for the VOV subscribers, an IMSI subrange with associated MSISDNs is assigned. The IMSI subrange is used as a pool of V-IMSIs for visitor subscriptions. Visitor subscriptions are inserted into the MVNO's HLR.

When the visiting subscriber moves to the area covered by the MVNO, the V-IMSI for the VOV is automatically assigned to that subscriber. A new visitor subscription profile (step 708) will be sent to the visitor applet 507 on the subscriber SIM card 506 via the SIM OTA (step 705). The roaming partner network will be used to update the visitor applet on the SIM card to V-IMSI.

Receipt of a visitor subscription profile with IMSI / PLMN & routing parameters will trigger a restart of the network selection process at the MS based on the new IMSI. In addition, the SIM OTA will update the MS to the V-MVNO APN.

The VOV subscriber MS SIM-card will use the assigned V-IMSI to access the local H-PLMN in the visited country. The VOV subscriber V-IMSI will be inserted into the visited H-PLMN / MNO VLR. The HLR of the V-MVNO will continue to track visitor subscriptions in a similar fashion as if their subscribers turned their mobile phones on and off.

The VOV will be identified by the V-IMSI and the associated V-MSISDN. Location updates for the V-IMSI subrange are forwarded to the VRC.

All subscribers of the VOV subscriber pool will use the IN service, and VGw will be the IN node address. The APN address for local breakout of data communications will be the local MVNO GGSN. The signaling for the V-IMSI sub-range is forwarded towards the VRC (step 706).

The visitor subscription mapping at the VRC will perform the mapping between the VOV subscriber and the home subscriber identity.

The VOV subscriber MS SIM card will use the subscriber's home operator private key for authentication. The V-MVNO will redirect the messages associated with the visitors towards the visitor home operator. The VOV will be authenticated towards the HLR of the subscriber's H-MVNO based on the subscriber H-IMSI and key. The Home Operator will manage its VOV subscribers in a manner similar to when subscribers roam to other PLMNs (step 707).

The authentication process is shown in more detail in FIG. To authenticate the MS from the serving network (in this case HPLMN (B)) to the VLR, a set of one to five authentication vectors is sent from the HLR / AUT to the VLR in the home MVNO. The HLR / AUT in the visited MVNO will also be requested for the keys of the authentication vectors associated with the visitor subscription. Instead of using these parameters, the HLR in the visited MVNO will be notified that the VOV is currently active and connected to the local HPLMN (B).

The MS will continue to use R-IMSI in the areas without local V-MVNO. The MS will continue to use R-IMSI if there is no free visitor subscription covering that area and the region is not the HPLMN of the H-MVNO. Steps 705-707 will not be performed.

The MS will use the APNs of H-IMSI and H-MVNO in the areas covered by the home mobile network operator HPLMN (FIG. 9).

The VRC will detect a roaming event for VOV-IMSI (step 901). The authentication for the H-MVNO is performed based on the H-IMSI (step 902) and the response is forwarded to the roaming partner (step 903).

The VRC will use the domain information to determine the H-MVNO as the preferred operator, and if the subscriber enters the area covered by the HPLMN (A): the SIM card will use the H-IMSI.

The H-IMSI identifier is sent to the visitor applet on the subscriber SIM card via the SIM OTA (step 904). A roaming hub network (see Roaming Hub 502) will be used to update the visitor applet 507 on the SIM card 506. The receipt of the H-IMSI identifier will trigger a restart of the network selection process at the MS based on the pre-stored H-IMSI profile. In addition, the SIM OTA will update the MS to the V-MVNO APN. The authentication for the H-MVNO is performed based on the H-IMSI (step 905). In FIG. 9, 908 represents a home subscription profile.

The visitor SIP client will use H'-IMSI for logon to the SIP server (FIG. 10). The SIP server operates as an IP telephony virtual network operator that redirects the SIP logon towards the subscriber H-MVNO given by H'-IMSI. The H-MVNO will receive the normal roaming event from the VRC and update the HLR accordingly. In Fig. 10, reference numeral 503 denotes the Internet, 504 denotes a mobile station, 505 denotes a visitor SIP client, 506 denotes a SIM card, and 507 denotes a visitor applet.

Figures 6 - 10 provide a conceptual overview of aspects of the present invention. The following disclosure will provide more detailed descriptions of possible steps involved in various mobile services. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that although a subset of available mobile services is discussed, it is understood that minor modifications to the methods for those services discussed will also be covered by other mobile services.

MAP handling

Figure 11 illustrates MAP handling. MAP signaling is used between the MCS / VLR / SGSN in the serving network and the GMSC / HLR / GGSN in the home network. For visitor subscriptions, the relevant MAP signaling will be between the serving network and the home network of the home subscription, not between the serving network and the home network of the visitor subscription. Instead of using the SS7 network, these MAP messages are routed through VGw and VRC over the VOV network.

MAP signaling covers the following services:

- Mobility and O & M

- Short message service (SMS) handling

- Hand handling

- Supplementary Services

- GPRS services

- Location Services

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 502 denotes a roaming hub, reference numeral 503 denotes the Internet, reference numeral 504 denotes a mobile station, reference numeral 506 denotes a SIM card, and reference numeral 507 denotes a visitor applet.

To route messages to VGw, the SCCP relay point (SRP) function is used. The SRP has the capability to process the SCCP portion of the message. Media gateways (MGw) support global title (GT) analysis in the SRP function and can be configured to route messages to VGw. This is shown in FIG. The next GT is routed to VGw.

- V-IMSI

- V-MSISDN

Guide the ISDN-number to VGw. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 504 denotes a mobile station, reference numeral 506 denotes a SIM card, and reference numeral 507 denotes a visitor applet. Additionally, 1201 indicates a MAP associated with its subscribers visiting another network, 1203 indicates a MAP associated with its visitors, and 1204 indicates a MAP associated with visitor subscribers. (1205 and 1206) represent GT routing. VRC 1202 may be further described by a visitor subscription mapping.

Handling roaming events

The roaming events will be detected to send new SIM / device data to the MS. OTA is used for dynamic updating of SIM and device data, as shown in FIG.

Roaming events from the roving hub are detected by the VRC. If a VOV MVNO is found from the country where the roaming events come, the V-IMSI is assigned and transmitted to the OTA. The OTA will send the V-IMSI and other SIM / device data to the MS.

The SIM card contains three IMSIs:

- V-IMSI (dynamically updated via OTA)

- R-IMSI (static data)

- H-IMSI (static data)

In other countries, Microsoft will start using R-IMSI.

Available VOV MVNO  Traveling VOV  Subscribers

This example illustrates the signaling sequence associated with a VOV subscriber during a trip. The MS starts using R-IMSI. The VLR in the serving network authenticates the MS by using the data fetched from the H-HLR via the roaming hub and VRC / VGw. Both the roaming hub and the VRC change the IMSI to VOV-IMSI and H-IMSI, respectively.

The roaming event (MAP message: update location) is transmitted from the VLR of the serving network to the roaming hub. The roaming partner changes the IMSI and sends MAP messages to the VRC. The VRC changes the VOV-IMSI to H-IMSI and transmits the message to the H-HLR via VGw. The VGw / VRC adjusts the subscriber data from the H-HLR to the VLR.

The roaming event includes a VLR number. This is the E.164 number and contains the country code. Through DB lookup, the VRC checks whether there is any VOV MVNO covering this area. In this case, the VOV subscriber roams from a country having at least one VOV MVNO. One of the VOV MVNOs is selected due to the predefined configuration data. The VRC allocates a free V-IMSI for this MVNO. The VRC sends the V-IMSI with the APN parameter for GPRS breakout to the OTA system. Such a system pushes SIM / device data and other SIM data to the MS via SMS transmission.

R- IMSI  Subscribers in the home used

This exemplary scenario describes a signaling sequence related to a VOV subscriber visiting the VOV MVNO and turning on the MS at home after the trip. The MS starts using R-IMSI. The roaming event (MAP message: update location) is transmitted from the VLR of the HPLMN to the roaming hub. The roaming partner changes the IMSI and sends MAP messages to the VRC. The VRC detects these roaming events and discovers that the event originated in the home network. The VRC sends the H-IMSI to the OTA system along with the home APN parameter. Such a system pushes the SIM / device data to the MS via SMS transmission.

If the subscriber is a roaming hub IMSI  You are on the move, VOV MVNOs  If not

 Although this example illustrates the signaling sequence associated with a moving VOV subscriber, in this case the VOV subscriber roams a country that does not have a VOV MVNO. The MS begins to use R-IMSI. A roaming event (MAP message: update location) is sent from the VLR of the serving network to the roaming hub. The roaming hub changes the IMSI and sends MAP messages to the VRC. The VRC detects these roaming events and checks where the events originated. In this case, no VOV is found, and the MAP message is further transmitted to the HLR of the H-MVNO. The IMSI is changed to the corresponding H-IMSI before it is sent to the HLR. The remainder of the sequence authenticates the VOV subscribers of the serving network from the HLR of the home H-MVNO.

update  location

When the MS is turned on, the update location procedure is performed. As soon as the MS is switched on, the MS notifies the VLR of the serving network. The VLR uses the IMSI received from the MS to address the HLR for authentication and subscriber data. If the IMSI is a V-IMSI belonging to the local VOV MVNO, an update location message is sent to VGw and routed to the HLR of the home network via the VOV network. If the IMSI is H-IMSI, the update location message is routed through the international SS7 network to the home HLR.

VOV  When a subscriber is in transit update  location

This exemplary scenario describes the signaling sequence associated with a moving VOV subscriber, and after the termination of a moving VOV subscriber with the sequence 'available VOV MVNO' is terminated, that is, the V-IMSI The scenario is started after restarting by using.

The VLR of the serving network registers the IMSI attachment and transmits the map update location message using V-IMSI as the GT. The SRP function of the media gateway sends this to the VGw, and the message is routed through the VOV network to the VRC. The VRC replaces the visitor IMSI with the SGSN / MCS / VLR ids having the H-VGw address of the 'MAP message: update location' and the home IMSI and routes it to the H-VGw over the VOV network. TCAP transaction ID, IMSI, and MSC / VLR / SGSN-number are stored in the database. The H-VGw then sends the message to the HLR of the H-MVNO.

Responses are sent in the opposite way, but now H-IMSI is replaced with V-IMSI. Otherwise, the sequence follows standard update location sequences. In addition to the standard sequence, the HLR of the V-MVNO is updated using the standard update location sequence, but now the VRC is simulating the VLR.

VOV  When a subscriber returns home from home update  location

This scenario describes the signaling sequence associated with a VOV in the home after visiting a foreign VOV MVNO. After the termination of the subscriber in the home with the sequence 'R-IMSI' is terminated, that is, after the MS is restarted using the H-IMSI belonging to the H-MVNO, this scenario starts.

The VLR of the hosting network registers the IMSI attachment and sends the MAP update location message using the H-IMSI as the GT. The message is routed to the HLR of the H-MVNO. The HLR sends the MAP erasure location message as an address to the previous VLR and use VGw. The erasure location message is sent to the VRC, which replaces the H-IMSI with the V-IMSI and routes it to the V-VGw. V-VGw sends a MAP clear message to the VLR of the serving network. The response message is routed back to the VRC and, in addition, to the HLR of the H-MVNO. The VRC then sends the MAP message: PurgeMS to the HLR of the V-MVNO to indicate that the visitor subscriber is no longer available. In this scenario, the last step VRC has to do is to send the APN parameter of the H-MVNO to the OTA system. The system will then update the MS with this parameter.

Send a mobile short message

On the move VOV  Outgoing SMS from subscribers

In this example, the mobile originated short message transmission sequence describes the forwarding of the short message from the MS to the SMSC. In this case, the transmitting VOV subscribers are moving in the country using VOV MVNO.

The MS received the V-IMSI and the new SC address during the scenario described in the " Moving VOV Subscriber with Available VOV MVNO ". The SMSC address is the same as the V-VGw address for the visited VOV MVNO. The serving MSC or SGSN sends a MAP message mo-forward SM request to V-VGw, since the SC address is used as GT. The message is further sent to the VRC.

The following mapping is performed in the VRC:

SM RP DA: V-VGw address to home SC address

SM RP OA: V-MSISDN vs. H-MSISDN

SM RP UI TP-OA: V-MSISDN vs. H-MSISDN

The message is routed to the H-VGw based on the H-IMSI. The message is then routed to the HLR of the H-MVNO by using the SMSC address of the H-MVNO.

The response message is transmitted backwards in the opposite manner.

Mobile Termination Single letter  send

SMS is on the move VOV  Termination at the subscriber being. send  And the receiving subscriber are subscribed to the same VOV MVNO.

The mobile end-to-end character transmission sequence in this example describes the forwarding of short characters from the SMSC to the MS. The B-subscriber is in transit and belongs to the same MVNO as the A-subscriber's MVNO.

The GMSC at the H-MVNO requests the HLR of the H-MVNO to route information by sending a MAP message, i.e. an SRI-SM request for the MSISDN of the B-subscriber. The HLR responds with an H-VGw address. The GMSC sends the MAP message, i.e., the mt-forward SM request, to the H-VGw using the H-VGw address as the GT. The message is additionally sent to the VRC.

The following mapping is done in VRC.

SM RP DA: H-IMSI vs. V-IMSI

SM RP OA: SMCS address to V-VGw address

SM RP UI TP-DA: H-MSISDN vs. V-MSISDN

To use direct routing to the MSC / SGSN, the MSC / SGSN number is retrieved from the database.

The database includes a mapping between the V-IMSI and the V-VGw address. The VRC then sends the message to the V-VGw. The V-VGw further sends a message to the MSC / SGSN of the serving network. The message is routed by using the MSC / SGSN address as the GT.

The response message is transmitted backwards in the opposite manner.

SMS is in transit VOV  Termination at the subscriber being. send  And the receiving subscriber are subscribed to different VOV MVNOs.

The mobile end-to-end character transmission sequence in this example describes the forwarding of short characters from the SMSC to the MS. The B-subscriber is on the move and belongs to an MVNO that is different from the A-subscriber.

The following mapping is done in VRC.

SM RP DA: H-IMSI vs. V-IMSI

SM RP OA: SMSC address vs. V-VGw address

SM RP UI TP-DA: H-MSISDN vs. V-MSISDN

To use direct routing to the MSC / SGSN, the MSC / SGSN number is retrieved from the database.

The database includes a mapping between the V-IMSI and the V-VGw address. The VRC then sends the message to the V-VGw. The V-VGw further sends a message to the MSC / SGSN of the serving network. The message is routed by using the MSC / SGSN address as the GT.

The response message is transmitted backwards in the opposite manner.

Hand handling

Normal

Each VOV subscriber visiting another VOV MVNO (V-MVNO) will be assigned a local visitor mobile subscriber profile (for V-IMSI and V-MSISDN). Such profiles will have an IN / CAMEL enabled for the local V-VGw as the IN / CAMEL server.

The HLR for a VOV subscriber visiting a V-MVNO will have a subscriber H-VGw ISDN stored as a VLR number.

Mobile operators that provide access to VOV subscribers are interconnected via VRCs. Both MO and MT calls from the VOV will be routed through the H-MVNO.

Figure 13 provides a conceptual overview of the MO VOV call. The MO call from the VOV subscriber in transit will be routed from the V-MVNO towards its H-MVNO. The GMSC of the H-MVNO will perform B-number analyzes and route calls to the called subscriber 2101 or service. The method for mapping between H-IMSI / H-MSISDN and V-IMSI / V-MSISDN, special VOV prefixes and VOV routing rules are further described in the following sections.

In Fig. 13, reference numeral 504 denotes a mobile station, 506 denotes a SIM card, and 507 denotes a visitor applet.

Figure 14 provides a conceptual overview of the MT VOV call. The MT call to the VOV subscriber on the move (calling subscriber 2201) will be received by the H-MVNO. The HLR of the H-MVNO knows that it will roam to the subscriber VVS, the call will be directed towards H-VGw and routed to the V-MVNO. The method for mapping between H-IMSI (roaming) / H-MSISDN and V-IMSI / V-MSISDN, special VOV prefixes and VOV routing rules are further described in the following sections.

14, reference numeral 504 denotes a mobile station, reference numeral 506 denotes a SIM card, and reference numeral 507 denotes a visitor applet.

Figures 13 and 14 provide a conceptual overview of aspects of the present invention. The following disclosure will further provide detailed descriptions of possible steps involved in various call handling scenarios. Those skilled in the art will know that a subset of available mobile services will be discussed, but it is understood that minor modifications to the methods for these services discussed will also cover other mobile call handling scenarios.

The V-MSISDNs will be assigned to the V-IMSI sub-range. IN service activation in the VOV subscriber profile will ensure that the call signaling from the visitors can be filtered and forwarded to the VGw.

The V-IMSI is replaced by the associated H-IMSI, and vice versa. For signaling messages that include MSISDN, the V-MSISDN will be replaced by the H-MSISDN to ensure that it does not appear as an A-number at all in the calls received from the VOV subscriber.

special VOV Prefixes

The set of special VOV prefixes is globally unique or configurable per VOV MVNO). The following VOV prefixes are used:

o Originating.

The prefix "o" is added by the IN / CAMEL-server function of the local VGw in response to the IN / CAMEL information request for the call from the visiting VOV subscriber. All visited VOV subscriber profiles (i.e., for all V-IMSI / V-MSISDN profiles) should be IN-enabled for the local V-VGw as an IN-server.

r Termination at the roaming hub.

The prefix "r" is added by the VRC in response to the MAP-PRN from the HLR to the roaming hub for the moving VOV subscriber.

w Termination in the WLAN.

The prefix "w" is added by the VRC in response to the MAP-PRN from the HLR for the VOV subscriber using WLAN-access.

v Visitor terminated on VOV network.

The prefix "v" is added by the VRC in response to the MAP-PRN from the HLR to another VOVMVNO for the moving VOV subscriber.

GMSC  Call routing

The GMSC at each VOVMVNO will be configured to route all calls with a CdPN starting with one of the special VOV prefixes to its local VGw.

The GMSC at each VOV MVNO will also route all calls where the CdPN is an international number (i. E. Does not belong to its MVNO to its local VGw).

VOV  Routing - rule parameters

A special SIP-header subject field with routing rule parameters is sent between VGw and VRC when needed. The following routing-rule values are used:

Routing - Rules -o Set by VGw when CdPN contains prefix = o.

Routing - Rules -r Set by VGw when CdPN contains prefix = r.

Routing - Rules-w Set by VGw when CdPN contains prefix = w.

Routing - Rules -v Set by VGw when CdPN contains prefix = v.

Routing - Rules -ro Set by VRC-VGw when transmitting INVITE from roaming partner to VRC.

Routing - Rules-wo Set by SBC when transmitting INVITE to VRC.

Routing - Rules-i If VGw is going to send it to V-GMSC instead of PSTN, it is set by VRC when transmitting INVITE to VGw.

Routing - Rules-int Set by VGw when it contains an unknown prefix. Used by VRC. It is noted that the value "routing-rule-int" is never set when the SIP-provider is used.

The use of routing-rule parameters is further explained in the following call setup sequences.

number set up Sequences

Originating and terminating Sequences

The following sections with referenced sequences describe the originating and terminating sides of the call setup when a VOV subscriber is included. VOV subscribers can be at home or on the move. The call setup including the VOV subscriber is always routed through the subscriber's H-MVNO.

Only the IAM / INVITE portion of the call set-up is discussed in the examples, because the remainder of the call set-up and release signaling follow the same principles and must be simple.

V- By MVNO  On the move VOV  MO call from subscribers

In this example, an originating call from the VOV subscriber will trigger a CAMEL information request to the local V-VGw _A. V-VGw _A will add the special VOV prefix "o" to the CdPN (Called Party Number).

V-GMSC _A will route the call to V-VGw _A with a CdPN beginning with the prefix "o" (e.g., using the BICC protocol).

V-VGw _A will remove the prefix "o" from the CdPN and add a special "Routing-Rule" subject field with the value "routing-rule-o" in the SIP- Will forward the call to the VRC.

VRC will change the calling party number from V-MSISDN to H-MSISDN because there is "routing-rule-o", and change "routing-rule-o" And will ask V-VGw _A to route the call to H-VGw _A.

V-VGw _A will then forward the call to H-VGw _A (e.g., using the SIP-I containing the IAM-message).

H-VGw _A will forward the call to H-GMSC _A (e.g., using BICC signaling) because "routing-rule-i" is present.

H-GMSC _A will route the call to H-MVNO _B using the following "VOV transit" procedure. If H-MVNO _A is the same as H-MVNO _B , the transit procedure is skipped and the "MT to VOV" procedure is used instead.

V- By MVNO  On the move VOV  MT number to subscribers

In this example, the H-GMSC _B will request its HLR via the MAP Send Routing Info (SRI) Request message to obtain the Mobile Roaming Subscriber Number (MSRN) for the called subscriber. The HLR will have H-VGw _B stored as a VLR for this subscriber and will send a MAP Provide Routing Number (PRN) Request message to H-VGw _B.

H-VGw _B forwards the PRN message to the VRC to retransmit the V-MSISDN having the special VOV prefix "v" as the MSRN.

H-GMSC _B will send the call to H-VGw _B because CdPN begins with a special prefix "v".

H-VGw _B will remove the prefix "v", add the value "routing-rule-v" to the SIP-header subject field, and forward the call to the VRC using SIP.

The VRC will change the calling number from V-MSISDN to H-MSISDN because there is a "routing-rule-v" and will ask H-VGw _B to route the call to V-VGw _B.

V-VGw _B will forward the call to V-GMSC _B , for example, using BICC signaling.

V-GMSC _B will route the call to V-MNO _B.

GPRS handling

The VOV will use the V-MVNO GGSN for local breakout of data services. The MSISDN in the MMS will be replaced by the H-MSISDN before the message is sent to the called party, see FIG.

If a VOV subscriber is roaming through a roaming hub, the GGSN in the VOV network terminates the GRPS tunnels.

In Fig. 15, reference numeral 504 denotes a mobile station, 506 denotes a SIM card, and 507 denotes a visitor applet.

Mobile Originating MMS

MMS is on the move VOV  Sent from the subscriber.

In this example, the mobile originated MMS transfer sequence describes the forwarding of the MMS from the MS to the MMS repeater / server. In this case, the transmitting VOV subscriber is in motion in the country with the VOV MVNO.

The MMS is forwarded to the visitor MMS relay / server. However, the sender address is a V-MSISDN. "User-Based Trigger on MM1 Submission" for all existing V-MSISDNs in the MMS repeater / server enables MM10 interaction. The MSCF in the VRC changes the sender address to H-MSISDN before the visitor MMS repeater / server sends the MMS message.

CDR  handling

CDRs related to visitors will be collected from visited MVNOs. The VOV may be identified as a calling or called number in the CDR. CDRs of the following types can be collected:

However, since VOIs are identified through the visitor MSISDN / IMSI in the collected CDRs, it is necessary to pre-process the CDRs before performing subsequent charging processes such as rating and charging have. This pre-processing is referred to as normalization.

The normalization process adds normalized data such as the home MSISDN / IMSI to the CDR. One purpose of the normalized data is to allow the home MVNO to perform queries such as to allow rating and charging for its home subscriber and to determine which subscriber actually called MVNO X to visit subscriber Y, Is to provide sufficient data to processes after the normalization process to perform operations on the CDR, without having to look up cross references in other tables,

A normalized CDR is further transmitted to the home MVNO identifying the subscriber to be charged.

The invention has been described above as illustrative and exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Terms and acronyms
Generic term
CdPN Called Party Number
CgPN Calling Party Number
GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node
GMSC Gateway Mobile Switching Center
GT Global Title (Global Title)
HLR Home Location Register
HPLMN Home PLMN (Home PLMN)
HSS Home Subscriber Server
IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity < RTI ID = 0.0 >
MAP Mobile Application Part, SS7 protocol that provides application layer to various nodes in GSM and UMTS mobile core networks
MGw Media Gateway
MME Mobility Management Entity
MMSC Multimedia Messaging Center
The MNO Mobile Network Operator is a wireless communication service provider that owns a radio spectrum or a wireless network infrastructure.
Mobile Originated
MSC Mobile Switching Center
The MSCF messaging service control function (Messaging Service Control Function)
A Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN), also referred to as a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN)
MSRN Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number (Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number)
MT Mobile Terminated
MS Mobile Station
The MVNO Mobile Virtual Network Operator is a wireless communication service provider that does not own a radio spectrum or a wireless network infrastructure.
P-GW PDN Gateway (PDN Gateway)
PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
SMSC Short Messages Service Center
SGSN Service GPRS Support Node
S-GW Serving Gateway
VMSC Visiting Mobile Switching Center
VPLMN Visitor PLMN (Visitor PLMN)
jargon
A- / _A Outgoing side (A-side, calling party side) For example. No-A, _H-A MVNO, MVNO _{V-A, V-A} VGw
B- / _B terminal side (B-side, called side) For example. B-no, H-MVNO _B , V-MVNO _B , V-VGw _B
H-GMSC Home VOV GMSC (Home VOV GMSC)
H-HLR Home VOV HLR (Home VOV HLR)
H-IMSI Home IMSI (Home IMSI)
H'-IMSI Twin H-IMSI (Twin H-IMSI) used for WLAN access
H-MNO Same home MNO as HMO (Home MNO)
H-MSISDN Home MSISDN (Home MSISDN)
H-MVNO Home VOV MVNO (Home VOV MVNO)
H-VGw Home VGw (Home VGw)
R-IMSI Roaming partner IMSI (Roaming partner IMSI)
R-MSISDN Roaming partner MSISDN (Roaming partner MSISDN)
SBC SIP Boarder Controller
V-GMSC Visitor VOV GMSC (Visitor VOV GMSC)
VGw Visitor Gateway
V-VGw Visitors VGw (Visitor VGw)
V-IMSI Visitor IMSI (Visitor IMSI)
VLR Visitor Location Register
V-MNO Visitor MNO (Visitor MNO)
V-MSISDN Visitor MSISDN (Visitor MSISDN)
V-MVNO Visitor VOV MVNO (Visitor VOV MVNO)
VOV Virtual Operator Visitor
Visitor IMSI (Visitor IMSI) for VOV-IMSI roaming partners
VOV MVNO MVNO that can host VOVs by utilizing services from VSS
VRC Visitor Routing Center
VRC-VGw Collocated with VRC for roaming partner access VGw
VSS Visitor Serving Subsystem
VSS network VOV Private IP network connecting MVNOs
V-VGw Visitors VGw (Visitor VGw)

Claims (21)

CLAIMS 1. A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system,
Comprising steps performed by a virtual visitor subsystem VSS included in the mobile communication system,
The steps,
Detecting a roaming event for an MSISDN of a mobile station (MS) operating in the mobile communication system,
Determining, in the mobile communication system, a mobile network operator having an HPLMN that covers the geographic area of the MS and being a visitor mobile network operator of the MS,
Receiving a visitor IMSI from the visitor mobile network operator,
Assigning the visitor IMSI to the MSISDN of the MS,
Sending the visitor IMSI to the MS,
Intercepting authentication initiation towards the visitor mobile network operator,
Authenticating the MS towards the home mobile network operator of the MS, and
And activating a visitor subscription identified by the visitor IMSI based on an authentication response received from the home mobile network operator. The method according to claim 1,
Performing a mapping between the home IMSI of the MS and the visitor IMSI, and authenticating the MS towards the home mobile operator of the MS based on the home operator key. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > A method for serving. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further performing a further mapping between the MSISDN of the MS and the visitor MSISDN. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 21 > The method of claim 3,
Further comprising the step of using a home mobile network operator's SMSC and the visitor IMSI to send a mobile originated SMS sent from the MS. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
Further comprising the step of temporarily using the SMSC of the home mobile network operator and the visitor IMSI to send a mobile terminated SMS received by the MS, a method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system . 6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
Further comprising the step of sending a mobile originating MMS sent by the visitor mobile network operator's MMSC and received by the home mobile network operator's MMSC. 7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
Using the VSS as an IN node to route routing prefixes to B-number (s) for transmission of mobile outgoing calls generated by visitors who have been assigned a visitor subscription to the home mobile network operator's GMSC Wherein the method further comprises the step of: 8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
Using the MSISDN of the visitor subscription as a roaming number to add routing prefixes to the roaming number for routing of mobile termination calls to the visitor mobile network operator, Way. 9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8,
Further comprising transmitting voice charging data (MOC CDR) received from the visitor mobile network operator. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 31. < / RTI > 10. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
Further comprising transmitting SMS charging data (SMS-MO CDR / S-SMO-CDR) received from the visitor mobile network operator. 11. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 10,
Further comprising the step of transmitting MMS charging data (MO MMS CDR) received from the visitor mobile network operator. 12. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 11,
Further comprising transmitting GPRS charging data (M-, S- and G-CDR) transmitted from the visitor mobile network operator. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The roaming event for the MSISDN of the MS includes:
Receiving the MAP location update message from the roaming hub by the VSS when the MS is connected to a VPLMN (visitor public land mobile network), or
Receiving a MAP location update message from the roaming hub by the VSS when the MS is connected to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN); or
Receiving, by the VSS, a MAP location revocation message from the home mobile operator of the MS when the MS is connected to a home public land mobile network (HPLMN)
≪ / RTI >
A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The decision of the visitor mobile operator,
And determining as a mobile network operator a visitor mobile network operator having an HPLMN that covers the geographic area of the MS by using the VLR number in the roaming event. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The step of assigning the visitor IMSI to the MSISDN comprises:
Selecting a free visitor IMSI from a visitor subscription pool stored in or retrieved from the visitor mobile network operator.
A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Wherein the step of transmitting the visitor IMSI to the MS comprises:
Directing the service SMS to the MS without involving the home operator SMSC; and
And utilizing the application executed by the processing device of the SIM to update the SIM of the MS with the visitor IMSI. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Wherein intercepting authentication to the visitor mobile network operator comprises:
Intercepting the authentication request by the VSS, forwarding the authentication request to the home network operator and the visitor network operator,
Intercepting, by the VSS, an authentication response received from the home network operator and the visitor network operator; and
And sending, by the VSS, an authentication response from the home network operator to the VLR requesting the authentication.
A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
Wherein activating the visitor subscription identified by the visitor IMSI comprises:
And activating the visitor subscription based on an authentication response received from the home mobile network operator.
A method for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system. 19. A processing device configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18. 20. A visitor serving subsystem for serving visitor subscribers in a mobile communication system, comprising the processing device of claim 19. A mobile communication system,
A plurality of MSs each including a SIM, the SIM including an application to be executed by a processing device of the SIM;
A plurality of mobile network operators (MVNOs and MNOs) each configured with a pool of visitor subscriptions, each visitor subscription identified with a visitor IMSI;
A plurality of HPLMNs (home public land mobile networks) each associated with a corresponding mobile network operator, each HPLMN configured to determine a geographical area of an MS operating in the HPLMN;
A plurality of visitor public land mobile networks (VPLMNs) associated with the roaming hub; And
Comprising a visitor serving subsystem according to claim 20,
Mobile communication system.

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